Sky Sports sign NI football deal

The six-season contract will show five league games and the League Cup final each season

Northern Irish football has been handed a massive boost after the NI Football League announced a long-term agreement with Sky Sports for live broadcasting of matches.

The new agreement will see five Danske Bank Premiership fixtures and the NIFL League Cup Final shown live this season and in each of the next five campaigns.

There will be two matches broadcast on Sky in the space of two days later this week - cameras will be in place at Solitude on Friday, February 17 as Cliftonville host Glentoran in a league encounter, whilst the League Cup Final between Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers will be broadcast live the next day.

“This is fantastic news for fans of Irish League football and I am delighted that the Danske Bank Premiership and the NI League Cup Final will be back on Sky Sports," said NIFL Managing Director Andrew Johnston.

“The coverage that Sky provide is fantastic, it is fantastic platform to promote our league, our clubs and our players to a wider audience of football fans across the UK and around the world. I would like to place on record our appreciation of the assistance provided by the Irish FA and UEFA in developing this agreement.

“Since the formation of the NIFL we have worked hard with our clubs, sponsors and media partners to develop and enhance the competitive structure and excitement of the League and I believe that Sky Sports customers will enjoy the passion, honesty and commitment of our clubs.

"Having averaged over three goals per game to date this season I believe viewers will not be left disappointed."